4K entertainment channel from Virgin

UK multiplay operator Virgin Media is launching what it says is the UK’s first dedicated ultra HD entertainment channel, which will start broadcasting from September 17th.

The Virgin TV Ultra HD channel will be exclusively available for Virgin TV Full House and VIP customers with a V6 set-top box. These customers can tune into a collection of what Virgin Media says are critically-acclaimed dramas, beautifully-shot documentaries and get up close to some of the biggest names in music with a selection of hot-ticket concerts; all in UHD detail and at no extra cost.

The schedule includes blockbuster entertainment series such as Start Up with Martin Freeman, Masters of Sex starring Michael Sheen and political powerhouse House of Cards as well as wildlife and nature documentaries set in Zambia and Vietnam, plus gigs from the Rolling Stones, Sting and Imagine Dragons.

A number of these programmes will be broadcast for the first time on UK television, such as Start Up as well as Shut Eye with Isabella Rosselini and The Art of More with Dennis Quaid.

To celebrate the launch of Virgin TV Ultra HD, comedian, author and Love Island narrator, Iain Stirling will become the ‘voice’ of the channel for its opening night on September 17th.

“With the launch of Virgin TV Ultra HD we’re giving our customers the ultimate entertainment viewing experience with must-see shows in incredible, crystal-clear picture quality,” commented David Bouchier, Virgin Media’s Chief Digital Entertainment Officer. “From epic dramas and stunning documentaries to the front row feeling of a rock concert, our customers will get closer to the action than ever before – with four times the picture quality of HD. It really is the next best thing to being there.”

“We’ve shown some of this year’s biggest sporting events in Ultra HD, such as the Champions League and Wimbledon finals and we’re now giving entertainment the Ultra HD treatment. It’s all part of our ongoing investment to give our customers the best way to watch the best TV.”

“I can’t wait to get behind the mic for the launch of the Virgin TV Ultra HD channel and introduce some brilliant shows in awesome picture quality” added Stirling. “I like the idea of an ultra-high definition channel being championed by a man more known for what he sounds like than looks like!”

Virgin TV Ultra HD will air on channel 999 and broadcast at prime-time until the early hours. The channel will begin broadcasting from 8.20pm on the launch night.

The new channel continues Virgin Media’s continued investment in 4K UHD programming, following the launch of BT Sport 4K UHD on Virgin TV in August. Virgin Media has also broadcast an array of sporting events in 4K UHD including the Champions League Final, the 2018 French Open, Wimbledon Championships, as well as a selection of matches from this year’s World Cup.